States begin to react to videos exposing Planned Parenthood

Once again, the news in the pro-life world has been dominated by Planned Parenthood. Some of the major happenings are covered below:

The state of Louisiana has notified Planned Parenthood that the state is terminating its contract with Planned Parenthood that allows PP to be a Medicaid provider. The contract between the state and PP allows either party to cancel with 30 days’ notice. Louisiana has now given PP that notice. Louisiana governor, Bobby Jindal, said, “In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country. Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life. It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state.”

The executive council of the state of New Hampshire has voted to not approve renewal of a $650,000 contract with Planned Parenthood in the state. Chris Sununu, a self-described pro-choice councilor who had previously supported Planned Parenthood, voted against PP this time. He said: “Things are different now. We have to take a step back and just take a pause and say 'Is this a company and a business that we should be actively engaging?’”

The state of Alabama has notified Planned Parenthood that it is terminating its Medicaid provider agreement with Planned Parenthood. The contract between the state and PP allows either party to cancel with 15 days’ notice, and the state has now exercised that provision. Commenting on this action, the governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley, said, “The deplorable practices at Planned Parenthood have been exposed to Americans. I've terminated any association with the organization in AL.”

These actions in the various states have been prompted by the continual release of undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood heavily involved in, and making a profit from, the baby body parts business. This week showed another Planned Parenthood executive describing how she first determines how much money PP will get from the sale and then going back and altering the budget numbers—implying that the budgeted amount is supposed to reflect costs.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America president, Cecile Richards, is clearly frustrated by the stream of videos that constantly put the internal actions of Planned Parenthood in full public view. She stated this week that all the videos should be released at once. Her tone revealed that she is obviously concerned about what will be revealed next. And she should be.